As India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, promises of women’s empowerment reverberate across political platforms, with the BJP and Congress outlining contrasting visions for gender equality. However, a critical analysis of past efforts sheds light on the stark disparities between rhetoric and actual progress.
In the BJP’s 2014 manifesto, emphasis was placed on women as ‘nation builders,’ pledging to prioritize their empowerment through various measures, including increased education and employment opportunities, and the introduction of a constitutional amendment for parliamentary reservation. Notably, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aimed to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, but ground realities reveal challenges in its effectiveness.
Despite claims of near-universal access, data from 2021-22 highlights discrepancies in LPG refills between PMUY and non-PMUY consumers, indicating operational hurdles. Similar patterns are observed in schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, where underutilization of funds and declines in beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore implementation challenges.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, both parties have unveiled new promises. The BJP’s ‘Subhadra Yojana’ offers cash vouchers to women, alongside plans to expand self-help group initiatives and strengthen emergency response systems. Meanwhile, the Congress proposes the ‘Mahalakshmi guarantee,’ promising direct transfers to the poorest women, alongside commitments to increase women’s representation in various sectors and enforce equal wages.
However, the disparity between political pledges and on-the-ground realities underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency. Despite efforts to promote women’s empowerment, the lack of tangible outcomes highlights systemic challenges that must be addressed.
As India navigates the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it’s imperative to move beyond rhetoric and commit to sustained action that translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of women across the nation.
Amidst the political rhetoric and promises, the voice of a common woman echoes with a hint of sarcasm, suggesting that perhaps all these pledges are just another round of political maneuvering. With a wry smile, she quips, “Let’s see which party takes the reins this time and how they truly empower women.” In a landscape filled with grandiose assurances, the ultimate test lies in witnessing tangible actions that uplift women from all walks of life, transcending the realm of mere campaign promises.